Lift Every Voice and Sing, also known as the "Black National Anthem," is a powerful and iconic song that has been a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience for African Americans for over a century. Written by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson in 1900, the song has been sung by countless individuals and groups over the years, including famous artists, choirs, and even at presidential events.
The song's lyrics are a poignant and uplifting expression of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, and its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds today. In this article, we'll delve into the history and significance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, and provide a free printable version of the lyrics for you to enjoy.
A Brief History of Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift Every Voice and Sing was written by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson in 1900 for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida. The song was originally titled "Lift Every Voice and Sing (Till Earth and Heaven Ring)" and was written to be sung by a group of 500 African American schoolchildren.
The song quickly gained popularity and was adopted by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) as its official song in 1919. Over the years, Lift Every Voice and Sing has been sung by famous artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, and has been performed at numerous presidential events, including the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Significance of Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift Every Voice and Sing is more than just a song - it's a powerful symbol of African American history, culture, and resilience. The song's lyrics are a poignant expression of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, and its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds today.
The song has been sung during times of great struggle and turmoil, including during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. It has also been sung during times of great celebration and triumph, including during the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Lift Every Voice and Sing Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing:
Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out of the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lift every voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Free Lift Every Voice and Sing Lyrics Printable
Click the link below to download a free printable version of the Lift Every Voice and Sing lyrics:
[Insert link to printable PDF]
How to Use the Printable Lyrics
The printable lyrics can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Printing out the lyrics and displaying them in a place of pride in your home or office
- Using the lyrics as a teaching tool to educate others about African American history and culture
- Singing the song with friends and family during times of celebration and reflection
- Sharing the lyrics on social media to spread the message of hope and unity
Conclusion
Lift Every Voice and Sing is a powerful and iconic song that continues to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds today. The song's lyrics are a poignant expression of African American history, culture, and resilience, and its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all ages.
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the history and significance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, and that you'll use the free printable lyrics to share the song with others. Remember to sing the song with pride and passion, and to use its message of hope and unity to inspire and uplift those around you.
Call to Action
We encourage you to share the free printable lyrics with others and to use the song as a tool for education and inspiration. You can also share your own experiences and reflections on the song in the comments below.
FAQ Section:
What is the history of Lift Every Voice and Sing?
+Lift Every Voice and Sing was written by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson in 1900 for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday at the Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida.
What is the significance of Lift Every Voice and Sing?
+Lift Every Voice and Sing is a powerful symbol of African American history, culture, and resilience, and its message of hope and unity continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds today.
How can I use the free printable lyrics?
+The printable lyrics can be used in a variety of ways, including printing out the lyrics and displaying them in a place of pride, using the lyrics as a teaching tool, singing the song with friends and family, and sharing the lyrics on social media.